Application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the Treatment of Petrochemical Industry Wastewater

Abstract

AbstractPetrochemicals are derived directly or indirectly from petroleum. During the production of petrochemicals, various refractory and toxic pollutants are generated, which are harmful to the aquatic system. These pollutants are genotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. Although these pollutants are harmful, only a limited number of studies have been performed on their removal or degradation. Conventional wastewater treatment techniques are not efficient in removing these pollutants from wastewater. Therefore, the scientific community is now putting up efforts to make the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) more efficient. The main aim is to produce very reactive species (especially hydroxyl radicals, HO˙) in water by the AOPs. This leads to the degradation or transformation of the contaminants or pollutants, resulting in complete mineralization. The most studied AOPs for the degradation of petrochemical wastewater pollutants are photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), ozonation, catalytic oxidation, catalytic ozonation, and electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. This chapter specifically discusses the various AOPs used to remove specific pollutants and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from petrochemical wastewater treatment to meet discharge standards.